Courage in the Canopy
6th February 2026
They say that good things come to those who wait, and our Year 3 children certainly proved that to be true this term. After a season of unprecedented rainfall forced us to prioritise safety and postpone our much-anticipated expedition, the clouds finally parted. Our young explorers set off for Ngare Ndare Forest to crown their learning about rainforest ecosystems. The wait may have been long, but the experience was nothing short of unforgettable.
Ngare Ndare provided the ultimate living classroom. Having studied the theoretical layers of a rainforest, the children were eager to see how the local environment brought those lessons to life. They spent the morning identifying the emergent layer, the canopy, the understorey, and the forest floor.
The undisputed highlight of the day was the canopy walk. Suspended high above the earth, this thrilling experience pushed many students out of their comfort zones. Many children surprised themselves by conquering initial nerves to stride across the swaying bridges. Others, who initially underestimated the heights, found a new sense of resilience and courage as they navigated the walkway. Regardless of their starting point, every single child felt a massive surge of pride (and perhaps a little relief!) upon returning to solid ground.
To round off the adventure, the group took a short drive to a picnic site. After the adrenaline of the heights, the children enjoyed their packed lunches and took the opportunity to dip their feet into the refreshing, cool shallows of the river.
This trip was more than just a reinforcement of our curriculum; it was a day of personal growth, bravery, and bonding. From overcoming fears on the suspended walkways to analysing the forest structure, our Year 3s returned to school with stories that will undoubtedly be shared for months to come.
